SEOUL (RVA News): Fondacio Asia brought together 44 pilgrims from Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, and Thailand for a sacred pilgrimage in Haemi, South Korea, from September 4 to 9.
The pilgrimage centred on prayer, reflection, and visits to sites connected to the Korean martyrs. Participants from the four countries journeyed together and reflected on the example of those who stayed faithful during times of persecution.
The group visited the Galmaemot and Sinri Shrines, where they learned about the Korean martyrs and reflected on their faith and sacrifice. Through prayer, reflection, and the Sinri Programme, the pilgrims considered the experiences of those who remained steadfast.
The following day, the group continued their pilgrimage by visiting sites associated with the Haemi martyrs, including the Queen’s House, Sanghong-ri Chapel, Haemi Castle, and Haemi International Shrine. These visits offered further opportunities for prayer and contemplation of the martyrs’ legacy.
A significant moment of the pilgrimage was the celebration of Holy Mass in the Darkness, which invited participants to reflect on faith during times of difficulty and uncertainty.
The group visited the Galmaemot and Sinri Shrines, where they learned about the Korean martyrs and reflected on their faith and sacrifice
On September 8, the pilgrims took part in integration sessions after several days visiting sites connected with the Korean martyrs. They shared their experiences and considered how the pilgrimage might influence their lives and communities.
The sessions encouraged participants to connect their experiences during the pilgrimage with their lives at home, and to explore how they could live out their faith within their communities.
The pilgrimage concluded in Seoul on September 9, as the 44 participants prepared to return to their home countries.
The journey united Catholics from four countries through a shared experience of prayer, reflection, and engagement with the history of the Korean martyrs.
Fondacio Asia is a Christian organisation working across Asia in youth formation, education, and social development, with communities and programmes in countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.
